Editorial: Licence the owners

Reader Photo From: Jane Bleackley.

Two dog attacks that hit the news this week raise several issues.

First Alfie, a Jack Russell, was mauled by a larger Pitbull terrier. The Jack Russell's lower jaw was fractured and it suffered puncture wounds over the front half of its body as well as other cuts and gashes.

Fortunately Alfie survived and is on the mend - slowly - although he is now terrified of other dogs, and will need much kind and gentle rehabilitation.

Later in the week we learned of Tony Spain who was bitten on the leg as he took what was meant to be a relaxing stroll along the beach.

While his injuries were not life-threatening, he makes the point they could have been had it been a child, and not his leg, that the dog took offence to.

According to Tony Whanganui Hospital staff see many injuries resulting from dog bites - which suggests dog bites are perhaps more prevalent than what is reported.

Dog owners are fortunate in Whanganui. We have a choice of dog exercise parks and generally dogs are welcome at most other parks and reserves under varying conditions.

It would be sad indeed if the rules and freedoms were paired back, but if people and other dogs are being bitten, they may need to be.

One such freedom is allowing a dog to roam off-leash and run, play, sniff and generally be a dog. But the rules say that can only be done when the owners have full control over their dog at all times. That means dogs who come when called, won't rush other people or dogs and are well behaved.

Both this week's incidents involved off-leash dogs who clearly were not under their owner's control.

Perhaps it is high time council insisted on obedience classes and certificates for off-leash dogs.

This is not a breed issue - smaller dogs are often the worst behaved - it's about education, enforcement and ultimately owner responsibility.

Failing all else maybe dog ownership should require a license.